Volunteers Accomplish Needed Projects!

On April 30th, 2016 a contingent from the local community were the first group of volunteers to come to Headquarters at Malheur NWR. In a symbolic gesture of taking their refuge back, they did many projects including picking up trash around the complex and doing an inventory of items the refuge no longer needs. It was a great day with people that love their refuge!

A May 7th, 2016 work party of volunteers from around the Northwest. including many Friends of Malheur NWR members. Projects included the planting of a pollinator garden. reinforcing the willow fence around the blind at Marshal Pond and reseeding areas that had been disturbed by the militia and their illegal use of heavy equipment. It was an amazing day with the highlight being the replacement of the refuge sign in the above photo.

Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Projects

John Scharff Migratory Bird Festival

Blitzen River Riparian Restoration

Representing Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Friends of MNWR organizes and leads birding tours for the annual John Scharff Migratory Bird Festival. The popular Birds and Brunch Tour includes birding in the Harney Basin and brunch at Refuge Headquarters.

A fast-learning, hard-working crew of volunteers from the Central Oregon Flyfishers (COF), organized by Jen Bock, ODFW-STEP Biologist, and Gene McMullen of the COF, planted hundreds of willow, dogwood, and elderberry cuttings raised in the Friends of MNWR clone bed along two miles of the Blitzen River. The goals are to restore native riparian vegetation to one of Southeast Oregon's treasured redband trout streams and provide high quality woody and herbaceous shrubs to benefit numerous wildlife species.

Auto Tour Route

Narrows Parking Area

The auto tour route along the 42-mile Center Patrol Road is now complete. Nineteen signed stops mark the way and are interpreted in a script available at Refuge Headquarters or on-line. The script touches on the natural and cultural history and geology of the area, provides information about the plant and animal life found on the Refuge, and highlights current refuge management. Download the PDF copy of this brochure or pick up a copy at the Refuge Visitor Center. Visit the Autoroute Page to download the MP3 files of the Auto Tour.

​Friends of MNWR was the catalyst in bringing together refuge staff, the Oregon Department of Transportation, County Transportation Commission, Harney County Court, and the Harney County Chamber of Commerce to secure safe off-road parking at the Narrows for wildlife viewing. This project is possible because of time, equipment, and dollar donations from the above participants as well as dedicated funds from the John Scharff Migratory Bird Festival. The new parking area was completed in October 2003, and interpretative panels were installed in spring 2007.